Antalya Diplomacy Forum brings Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan closer

During the “Peace, Development and Connectivity in the South Caucasus” panel at the 2024 Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ambassador Serdar Kilic, Türkiye’s Special Representative for Normalization with Armenia, discussed the importance of achieving full normalization between the two countries.

Kilic called for trust-building and unity with Armenia as essential steps toward normalization.

“Our ultimate goal is achieving full normalization with Armenia.

Certain conditions are necessary for this, and we must adhere to them,” Kilic maintained.

He highlighted the need for trust-building measures during discussions with Armenia’s Special Representative, Ruben Rubinyan, emphasizing the importance of unity over division.

Kilic emphasized considering the welfare of the region’s people for positive outcomes in the normalization process and peace talks.

He cautioned against unilateral solutions, stressing the importance of mutual dialogue and cooperation.

Kilic also expressed hope for opening the Türkiye-Armenia border, noting that making this a precondition could pose challenges.

Peace toward Azerbaijan-Armenia relations

Rubinyan, Armenia’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, discussed ongoing peace talks with Azerbaijan, mainly focusing on border delineation based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

He stated Armenia’s readiness for peace, clarifying they do not make territorial claims within Azerbaijan.

Rubinyan highlighted agreements to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs and emphasized adherence to international law principles. He mentioned Armenia’s defense advancements, clarifying these efforts are not aggressive. Despite historical ties, he acknowledged challenges in Türkiye-Armenia relations.

Rubinyan announced plans to open the Türkiye-Armenia border for third-world citizens by July 2024, aiming for increased integration.

‘War ended for Azerbaijan’

Hikmet Haciyev, Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, stated that the Karabakh war has ended for his country, with peace and regional cooperation now on the agenda.

He mentioned presenting five principles to Armenia for peace, demonstrating Azerbaijan’s willingness and determination for peace.

Haciyev emphasized that peace negotiations will occur between Baku and Yerevan, not in foreign locations such as Paris or Brussels. Referring to the article in the Armenian Constitution regarding Karabakh’s unification with Armenia, Haciyev stated they expect a suitable explanation.

Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia also expressed hope for the success of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing Georgia’s support for the process affecting the region and other stakeholders.

Source: AA

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